Michael J. Tougias

Michael J. Tougias, a New York Times bestselling author and passionate decision-making expert, has authored several national bestsellers, including "The Finest Hours," which was adapted into a major motion picture by the Disney Corporation. Tougias is a dynamic speaker who draws from survivors and rescuers' experiences to discuss decision-making, goal attainment, and resilience. He offers four presentations, one of which he presents with survivor Loch Reidy from his bestselling book "Overboard!"

Tougias has also researched and written about President Kennedy's deliberations during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the lessons we can learn from JFK's determination, conclusions, and leadership. His book on the topic, "Above & Beyond: John F. Kennedy and America's Most Dangerous Spy Mission," has been praised as "superbly written, tense, and sometimes sad" by Booklist.

With speaking engagements in almost all 50 states, Tougias has addressed Fortune 500 companies, associations, colleges, and annual conventions. He is also the author or co-author of 31 books, including "Ten Hours Until Dawn," "Fatal Forecast," "King Philip's War," "Rescue of the Bounty," "The Finest Hours," "A Storm Too Soon," and "Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds."

Tougias has appeared as a frequent guest on television and radio shows such as Fox & Friends, The Weather Channel, National NPR, and ABC's 20/20. He is the recipient of the American Library Association's Editor's Choice and the Independent Publisher's "Best Book in its Class" awards.